The 2008 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid debut at the Chicago Auto Show in 2007.
Reuters

Toyota owners in the U.S., Japan and Europe, beware. The Japanese automaker (NYSE:TM) issued a voluntary recall for safety problems for two models Wednesday, the Highlander Hybrid SUVs and Lexus RX 400h.

In a press release released by Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., a reported 235,000 vehicles in the U.S. are being recalled. (CNN reported that 74,000 vehicles in Japan and 37,500 in Europe are also included in the recall.) The Highlander Hybrid models being recalled were produced from 2006 through 2010, and the Lexus RX 400h vehicles from 2006 through 2008. Other models involved in the recall include 2006-2011 Lexus IS 350, IS 350C, and GS 350 vehicles.

According to the report, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h models were voluntarily recalled due to issues of potential heat damage, caused by the vehicles’ inverter in combination with the transistor’s parallel circuits. “Should this occur, various warning lights on the instrument panel will illuminate, and in most cases the vehicle will enter ‘limp home mode,’” said the release. “In limited instances, the hybrid system will shut down and result in the vehicle stopping while the vehicle is being driven.” The company says no injuries have been reported, according to CNN.

Other models, including the Lexus IS 350, IS 350C and GS 350 vehicles, are being recalled due to issues pertaining to the “variable valve timing control device.” The device, which reportedly can become loose, can cause the vehicle to “stop while being driven.”

U.S. car owners affected by the recall will be contacted via mail. Customers can contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 for more information.